Friday, February 25, 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Prince George’s County, Maryland …The Prince George’s County Police Department partnered with Radio One for the “Stop the Violence” Day Radio-Thon yesterday from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., at Radio One, Inc., located at 5900 Princess Garden Parkway in Lanham, Maryland.

The event was being held in response to the large number of homicides that occurred in Prince George’s County at the beginning of this year. The Radio-Thon was broadcasted throughout the day on Radio One’s stations WKYS 93.9 FM, WYCB 1340 AM, WOL 1450 AM, WMMJ 102.3 FM, and Praise 104.1 FM. Police officers were stationed in a call center where they fielded calls from listeners who provided pertinent information ranging from crime related tips to suggestions and concerns. Police officers were interviewed by the radio personalities where they were able to solicit assistance from the community on high profile cases and announced crime initiatives used to combat the violent crime that plagued Prince George’s County early this year. The Radio-Thon provided an opportunity to bridge the gap between the police department, residents of Prince George’s County, and the radio community.

How to Access Prince George’s County Police Department Web and Social Networking Sites

All Prince George’s County Police Department web, social networking, and electronic outreach sites can be easily accessed through the police department’s blog. In order to access the Prince George’s County Police Department’s blog page, just type www.pgpolice.blogspot.com.

If you are interested in being notified every time the blog is updated, click on the ‘Follow’ button located at the upper left hand corner and sign up with your current Gmail, yahoo, or twitter account.

If you would like to comment on anything that is posted on the blog, go the end of the article you would like to comment on and click on the word ‘comments’.

Once on the blog site, you can access all the social websites as well as other useful information from the links on the left side of the webpage.

You can easily access the police department’s website by clicking on ‘PG County Police Home Page’.

To access our press releases, click on ‘PG County Police Press Releases’ – The press release section is the most up to date section of the entire police department website.

To access the police department’s Facebook page, click on ‘PG Police Facebook Page.’ The police department’s Community Calendar is located on the Facebook page. To access the calendar, click on the ‘Events’ tab near the top, center of the screen.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- It was a busy weekend for firefighters in Prince George's County after an outbreak of brush fires in the area, but was a county police officer who was hailed a hero for his quick-thinking at a house fire in Clinton.

Officer Jonathan Osbourne was on a routine patrol Sunday evening when he spotted smoke coming from a house on Barnes Drive. Trapped inside was 50-year-old Derrick Maynard.

"I noticed that someone was actually trying to get out the front door," said Officer Osbourne. "I broke the glass door to the house and then kicked the door in. Once the door opened, it was hot. Lots of smoke coming out. I was surprised that he was able to find his way back out."

Neighbors say they have no doubt that Officer Osbourne saved Maynard's life.

"He is a hero in my book," said neighbor Paulette Davis, who watched Officer Osbourne kick down the door.

Officer Osbourne insists he was simply doing his job. "I'm no hero. I'm just trying to do what we are supposed to do."

Maynard survived but sustained third-degree burns to his hands. He is now recovering in the burn unit of a local hospital.

On Tuesday February 22nd from 10am-7pm, our Radio One stations in conjunction with Prince George’s County Police will participate in a “Stop the Violence” day.

The purpose of the “Stop the Violence” day is our response to the alarming number of homicides in Prince George’s County this year. We view the “Stop the Violence” day as a way of our stations giving back to the community.

We have set up phone lines at our stations that will be manned from 10am-7pm by the Prince George’s County Police. We will be asking listeners to call this number “301-731-4390” to provide tips and or information about crime in the community.

You can also leave information by using the Prince George's County Crime Solvers Tip line at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477) or text "PGPD" plus your message to CRIMES(274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online

Friday, February 18, 2011

In January 2011, county officers arrested 85 people for Driving Under the Influence. This number far exceeds any monthly total for the past 16 years and puts the Prince George's County Police on par with other area agencies. We’ve all seen the effect that drunk drivers have on our roadways. The percentage of alcohol related crashes and fatalities remain too high. Identifying and removing drunk drivers from our roadways should remain a priority.

Prince George’s County, Maryland …The Prince George’s County Police Department, in conjunction with Radio One, will be partnering for “Stop the Violence” day on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Radio One, Inc., located at 5900 Princess Garden Parkway in Lanham, Maryland.

This event is being held in response to the large number of homicides that occurred in Prince George’s County at the beginning of this year. “This partnership is just the beginning in breaking the code of silence on the streets. We want the community to engage in bringing violent criminals to justice by providing information that would reduce violent crime in Prince George’s County,” said Interim Chief Mark Magaw. In an effort to combat violent crimes, representatives from the police department will be on hand to receive anonymous tips, answer questions regarding police resources, and provide crime prevention tips to the radio listeners.

The Radio-thon will be broadcasted on radio stations: WKYS 93.9 FM, WYCB 1340 AM, WOL 1450 AM, WMMJ 102.3 FM, and Praise 104.1 FM. Listeners may call in with information to (301) 731-4390.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Officer William W. Gullett, Jr., lost this day in 1969 while investigating a loud music complaint in George Sector.

Ofc. Gullett was born on December 9, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised in College Park, Maryland and attended Northwestern High School. After serving briefly in the cadet program, Ofc. Gullett joined the Prince George's County Police Department on November 6, 1967 as a member of Session 3-67, a class that would ultimately suffer the loss of three of its members in the Line of Duty. Upon completion of his Academy training, Ofc. Gullett was assigned to the Seat Pleasant Station.

On February 16, 1969 at approximately 0100 hours, Ofc. Gullett responded to a loud music complaint at 2910 Markham Lane in Kentland, Maryland. Ofc. Gullett and a second officer approached the target apartment and made contact with the resident. While discussing the matter with him, the resident suddenly drew a handgun from his waistband and opened fire, fatally wounding Ofc. Gullett.

Ofc. Gullett served the Prince George's County Police Department for one year and was the 7th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice. He was the 9th law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George's County, Maryland.

At the time of his death, Officer William W. Gullett, Jr. was 22 years old and survived by his parents.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Prince George’s County, Maryland …Prince George’s County Interim Police Chief Mark Magaw honored police officers, civilians and community members today during an awards ceremony. The event recognized the honorees for their hard work and determination in keeping Prince George's County safe.

Over 80 individuals were honored for acts of bravery, heroism, and selflessness, to include the apprehension of dangerous criminals, the recovery of vital evidence in criminal investigations, the dismantling of an extensive drug organization, and the rendering of first aid to choking and injured persons. Awards included Unit Citations, Award of Merit, Outstanding Citizenship, and the highest award – The Chief’s Award.

Chief Magaw salutes R. Wallace

Among the citizens recognized with an Outstanding Citizenship Award was 11 year-old Robert Wallace. He bravely assisted in helping officers apprehend two suspects who had just broken into his home by locking himself in an upstairs bedroom and calling for help. Officers Luis Perez and Michael Waters were awarded Letters of Commendation for their rapid response and apprehension of those suspects

An Award of Merit was presented to Homicide Detective Benjamin Brown for his exemplary work and dedication in the successful conviction of Spencer Chase in the 2008 murder of Antoinette Renee Chase.

Chief Magaw concluded by saying,
“The hard work and dedication to duty demonstrated by the men and women that we are recognizing today is to be commended. They have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field of law enforcement, and have set the example for the rest of us to
follow.”

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Officer Raymond Hubbard, lost this day in 1982 while attempting to apprehend armed robbery suspects in King Sector.

Ofc. Hubbard was born on January 1, 1954 in Warner Robbins, Georgia. He served with honor and distinction in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in January, 1979. Immediately thereafter, Ofc. Hubbard joined the Alexandria Police Department and served with that agency for the next 14 months. On April 7, 1980, Ofc. Hubbard joined the Prince George’s County Police Department and was subsequently assigned to the Oxon Hill Station.

On February 8, 1982, at approximately 1800 hours, Ofc. Hubbard was shopping at Iverson Mall located at 3737 Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, Maryland, while off-duty. He observed an armed robbery in progress at the Kay Jewelers being committed by several armed suspects. Ofc. Hubbard immediately drew his service weapon and challenged the suspects as they exited the establishment. The suspects refused to surrender and an exchange of gunfire ensued, during which Ofc. Hubbard was fatally wounded..

Ofc. Hubbard served the Prince George’s County Police Department for two years and was the 12th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice. He was the 19th law enforcement officer to give his life while serving this Profession within Prince George’s County, Maryland.

At the time of his death, Officer Raymond Hubbard was 28 years old and survived by his mother.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit has arrested 59 year-old Anthony Gary Thomas in connection with the robbery of a Sun Trust Bank.

On December 20, 2010 at approximately 9:40 a.m., patrol officers responded to the 2500 block of University Boulevard for a report of a robbery. When patrol officers arrived, they discovered that a suspect had entered the Sun Trust Bank, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The tellers, fearing for their safety, complied with the suspect, who then took the money and fled the bank on foot.

Robbery Detectives identified Thomas, of the 2000 block of Chapman Road, Adelphi, as a suspect in this case and obtained an arrest warrant charging him with Armed Robbery. He was located on February 4, 2011 in Riverdale, and apprehended without incident. Thomas has been remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections on a No-Bond status.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (301) 772-4905. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 TIPS (8477) or text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police/ and submit a tip online.

Prince George's County, Maryland … The Prince George’s County Police Department is hosting the Chief’s Quarterly Awards Ceremony, a special ceremony in which Interim Police Chief Mark Magaw recognizes police officers, civilian employees, and members of the community for their commitment to crime reduction.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Prince George’s County, Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division’s Police Athletic League (P.A.L) partnered with GameStop to host an XBOX 360 Madden 2011 and UNO Tournament on Monday, January 24, 2011.

Approximately 40 teenagers met at the gymnasium of the Oxon Hill Village Apartment Complex. This full day event began at 9:00 a.m. and concluded at 4:00 p.m. Participants took part in a Madden 2011 XBOX 360 and UNO Tournament where various prizes were awarded. They were also educated on the negative aspects of teen bullying. The activities offered the youth a positive environment during a off day from school.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division P.A.L. is a free co-ed sports league for Prince George’s County youth between the ages of 11-18. All six Districts have active programs that meet every Tuesday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information on this program and others like it citizens, can call the Community Services Division at (301) 909-7126.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Officer Antonio M. Kelsey, lost this day in 1980 while attempting to arrest a narcotics suspect in George Sector.

Officer Kelsey was born on March 15, 1957, in Washington, D.C. He joined the Prince George’s County Police Department on December 5, 1978. Upon completion of his Academy training, Ofc. Kelsey was assigned to the Seat Pleasant Station.

On the evening of February 2, 1980, Ofc. Kelsey was working a plainclothes, secondary employment assignment at Cox’s Liquor Store at 7200 George Palmer Highway (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway) Kentland, Maryland. At approximately 2100 hours Ofc. Kelsey observed a subject inside of the establishment who was in possession of marijuana. The officer challenged the subject, at which point he fled on foot. Ofc. Kelsey gave chase and caught the subject in front of 7112 Columbia Park Rd. Kentland, Maryland, where a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the subject gained control of the officer’s service weapon and opened fire, fatally striking Ofc. Kelsey.

Ofc. Kelsey served the Prince George’s County Police Department for one year and was the 11th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice. He was the 18th law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this Profession within Prince George’s County, Maryland.

At the time of his death, Officer Antonio M. Kelsey was 22 years old and survived by his parents.